VNIIO^VD HI>ION
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CNV 1-H1TVHH '1N3WNOHIAN3 3O lN3FSLLHVd3CI VNFIOW3 H1HON 1N3W3DVNVIM 1V1N3WNOHIAN3 3O NOISIAIQ 3i[j HJTM uopmadooo ui paj^dajj v.r. < ' ^ V f JSAiy Y_ > 031[UIEJ \ -JB1 V'%. 43AI» S5JOUBOJj A3AHAS1V3IDO1O3D * S'fl VNIIO^VD HI>ION GLOSSARY Base flow. The contribution of flow to a stream from ground water or spring effluent. Climatic year. A continuous 12-month period during which a complete annual cycle occurs. In low-flow analyses, the climatic year typically is from April 1 through March 31, designated by the calendar year in which the climatic year begins. The year begins and ends during the period of increased flows so that all flows during a single dry season are included in annual values for that year. Continuous-record gaging station. A site on a stream where continuous records of gage height are collected and discharge records are computed. Drainage area. The drainage area of a stream at a specified location is that area, measured in a horizontal plane, which is enclosed by a drainage divide. Gage height. The water-surface elevation referenced to some arbitrary gage datum, often used interchangeably with the term "stage." Low flow. Base flow or sustained fair weather flow. Partial-record gaging station. A site on a stream where periodic discharge measure-ments are collected, usually for a period of years. The data collected at partial-record stations are often correlated with data at nearby continuous- record stations to estimate low-flow characteristics at the partial-record stations. Recurrence interval. The average interval of time within which the magnitude of an extreme event will be equaled or exceeded once. The primary recurrence intervals used in this report are 2 years and 10 years. For example, if the 7-day, 10-year low-flow discharge is 5 ft" /s, then the average discharge for a 7-day consecutive period would be 5 ft /s or lower on average 1 time in 10 years, 5 times in 50 years, or 10 times in 100 years. Unit flow. Value of flow expressed in units of volume per time per square-mile drainage area. In this report, unit flows are expressed in cubic feet per second per square mile [(ft3/s)/mi2]. Water year. The 12-month period October 1 through September 30, designated by the calendar year in which the period ends. Average discharge and flow- duration data are computed using the water-year time frame. Zero-flow day. Day in which no flow occurred at a continuous-record gaging station as evidenced by a daily mean discharge of zero. Low-flow Characteristics and Profiles for Selected Streams in the Roanoke River Basin, North Carolina By J. Curtis Weaver U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4154 Prepared in cooperation with the The Division of Environmental Management of the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina 1996 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Gordon P. Eaton, Director The use of firm, trade, or brand names in this report is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey. For addtional information write to: Copies of this report can be purchased from: District Chief U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Information Services 3916 Sunset Ridge Road Box 25286 Raleigh, NC 27607 Federal Center Denver, CO 80225-0286 CONTENTS Abstract.................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................^ 1 Purpose and scope ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 Previous low-flow studies.............................................................................................................................................. 4 Description of Roanoke River Basin....................................................................................................................................... 5 Drainage system ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Major rivers and tributaries ................................................................................................................................. 5 Major flow modifications..................................................................................................................................... 7 Impoundments........................................................................................................................................... 7 Diversions.................................................................................................................................................. 8 Climate........................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Geology and soils .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Land use................................................................................................................_^ 14 Low-flow characteristics in the Roanoke River Basin ............................................................................................................ 14 Continuous-record stations............................................................................................................................................ 15 Partial-record stations.................................................................................................................................................... 18 Occurrence of zero or minimal 7Q10 discharge............................................................................................................ 18 Discharge profiles for selected streams in the Roanoke River Basin...................................................................................... 20 Town Fork Creek........................................................................................................................................................... 21 Hogans Creek................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Buffalo Creek................................................................................................................................................................. 24 Mayo River and Smith River......................................................................................................................................... 24 Country Line Creek....................................................................................................................................................... 24 Dan River.........................................................................................................._^ 29 Marlowe Creek.............................................................................................................................................................. 29 Hyco River..................................................................................................^^ Roanoke River.................................................................. 33 Summary......................................................................................................._^ 33 Selected references.................................................................................................................................................................. 37 Glossary .........................................................................................................................................................Inside Front Cover PLATE 1. Map showing continuous- and partial-record gaging stations, profiled streams, and occurrence of zero or minimal 7Q10 flows in the Roanoke River Basin study area in North Carolina................................................. In Pocket FIGURES 1-2. Maps showing: 1. Locations of the major river basins in North Carolina, the Roanoke River Basin study area, and physiographic provinces in North Carolina and Virginia .................................................................................... 3 2. Areas of similar potential to sustain low flows in North Carolina....................................................................... 4 3. Graph showing flow-duration curves for (A) the Dan River near Francisco, N.C., (site 4) and (B) Hyco Creek near Leasburg, N.C. (site 97)........................................................................................................................................ 6 4-6. Maps showing: 4. Hydrologic units in the Roanoke River Basin, North Carolina and Virginia ...................................................... 6 5. Average annual (A) temperature and (B) precipitation in the Roanoke River Basin, North Carolina and Virginia, 1961-90 .......................................................................................................................................... 11 6. (A) Geology and